Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Spicy Tomato and Olive Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy pan-seared chicken thighs served in a bold, spicy tomato sauce enriched with Kalamata olives and fragrant herbs. This mediterranean-inspired chicken (gluten free) ready in about 40 minutes blends salt, black pepper, extra virgin olive oil into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs dry and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Step 2: Place chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet and sear for 6-7 minutes until skin is golden brown and crispy, then flip and cook an additional 5 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium, add 1 medium finely diced yellow onion to the skillet and sauté for 4 minutes until softened. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes and stir in 1/2 cup pitted and halved Kalamata olives, 1 tbsp chopped fresh oregano, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil. Simmer sauce for 5 minutes to thicken.
  5. Step 5: Return chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Cover and simmer over low heat for 15 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce coats the chicken.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Spicy Tomato and Olive Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Spicy Tomato and Olive Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Spicy Tomato and Olive Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Spicy Tomato and Olive Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Spicy Tomato and Olive Sauce gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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